South Australia

Tasmania

Flinders Ranges

Overview

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Head into the arid heart of the Australian Outback and traverse one of the oldest geological landscapes in the world. The 1200km Heysen Trail is rated as one of the world’s premier long distance trails and begins in the stunning Flinders Ranges, the Heysen’s spiritual birthplace. We have selected the best walking in the Northern Flinders, from the trailhead to Black Gap and other not to be missed highlights. This is an unforgettable rust coloured landscape with many hidden secrets, that can only be discovered on foot.

This is a world class experience where you will be supported all of the way. At the end of each day you’ll have the luxury of having a hot shower, a chef prepared dinner and breakfast (see inclusions) and a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed, rising refreshed and primed for each day’s fabulous pack free walking.

Trip Length

Days

From

$

per person twin/double share

Single Supplement

$795

per person

Single Supplement

Australian hotel accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there is one or two people occupying it.

In order to cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single supplement fee, a cost that we make no margin on.

DAY 1

Start at Rawnsley Park in the late afternoon where you will be transferred to Angorichina Village.

Walking: Easy walking around Angorichina, including the Blinman Pools walk / 3km or more

Meals: Dinner at Angorichina

Accommodation: Angorichina Village in the Heysen Cabins with an ensuite

DAY 2

This Flinders Ranges walk begins from the Heysen trailhead at Parachilna Gorge with a gentle 19km saunter deep in the valley between the ABC and Heysen Ranges all the way to Aroona Ruins. The day’s walking starts with a very gentle stroll along various creek beds, then onwards over a procession of creek crossings as you slowly make your way uphill. The last 7km you amble very gently back down the same beautiful valley to Aroona Ruins.

Walking: Moderate / 19km / 5–6 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef prepared a la carte dinner at the Blinman

Accommodation: Angorichina Village in the Heysen Cabins with ensuites

DAY 3

Full of ascents and descents, today’s walk traverses the ABC Range with incredible panoramic views of the mountains. You walk across the Brachina Formation, one of the oldest rock formations on the planet. This walk includes one of the most intact and rich Ediacara fossil sites in the world. These 600-million-year-old rock formations are older and were once higher than the Himalayas, but have been worn down by time. The last section of walking is through an open flat valley typical of the Flinders region with lots of wildlife viewing opportunities along the way.

Walking: Challenging / 25km / 6–7 hrs / shorter 14km option available

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner at the Woolshed

Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in rooms with ensuites

DAY 4

Today’s walking is characterised by a great variety of landscapes, beautiful forest and gullies, including an exploration of the beginnings of Bunyeroo Gorge. Take in great views of the Heysen Range and St Mary Peak. The Flinders Ranges is also home to more than half of South Australia’s 3100 plant species, and famous for the wildflowers that carpet the plains and foothills during spring.

DAY 5

Today’s climb will take us to rewarding views back over the ABC and Heysen Range and over the pound (a huge natural amphitheatre) are one of a kind. We will stop here for have lunch to take real time to take in the view.

DAY 6

Walking through Wilpena Pound you’ll get to really appreciate even more what this place is all about and the sheer scale of it. Continue your journey across the valley floor totally surrounded by the impressive Wilpena Pound walls. Prior to European settlement, the indigenous people hunted here. The Aboriginal word Wilpena means ‘cupped hand’. Holding tremendous cultural significance and spiritually uplifting, this is an ancient place offering unparalleled sanctuary and tranquillity to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 11km / 4–5 hrs

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast, Walkers Lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner at the Woolshed

Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in rooms with ensuites

DAY 7

This is the last of the Flinders Ranges walks and is a fantastic way to bid farewell to the Flinders Ranges with views looking back inside Wilpena Pound and over to St Mary Peak. Then as you progress to the Bluff, enjoy the views of the expansive plains below and the Chace and Elder Ranges to the south.

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast, Walkers Lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner at the Woolshed

Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in rooms with ensuites

DAY 8

This holiday finishes in Rawnsley after breakfast.

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast

Walk Grading

The Flinders Ranges walks are mostly easy to negotiate and generally the tracks are well graded. The parts that aren’t are still walk-able but require a little more effort. Full day walks average about 18km. There are opportunities for fit walkers to challenge themselves on rather lengthy walks of up to 25km.

*Walk grading and map are not to scale and indicative only.

Walking Track

All inclusive 8 day pack free walking holiday

7 nights’ accommodation in rooms with ensuites

All meals, including chef-cooked breakfasts, walkers lunches and a la carte two course dinners

Camp fire bbq dinner under the stars on first night

All luggage transport and vehicle transfers

We shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region

On this Flinders Ranges tour on foot you’ll stay in the Heysen Cabins in Angorichina, at award winning Rawnsley Park Station and in the luxury glamping tents at Ikara Wilpena. All of these private accommodations are located in inspired locations and provide a welcoming and comfortable base to rest, relax and reflect on the day’s walking. The single supplement of $795.00 is for your own private ensuite on all 7 nights. If you’re happy to share a bathroom (not your room) for 4 nights on the trip then the single supplement can be reduced down to $410.00.

The two course a la carte dinners and cooked breakfasts at Rawsley and Ikara are prepared by their in-house chefs.

Each day whilst you’re walking you’ll be provided with a substantial walkers lunch, more importantly you’ll get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A walkers lunch may include a high protein type salad, a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit. Each day is varied. The 2 course a la carte dinners and cooked breakfasts are all prepared by professional chefs.

There is also a focus on regional food and wine. Good wholesome food with kangaroo and emu occasionally on the menu. The region is remote, but world-class South Australian wine and a cold lager are within easy reach. We suggest that if you like wine then bring some for the first night at Angorichina ( or for the whole trip if you want your own pre dinner drinks).

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

This holiday starts and finishes in Rawnsley Park. Transport information is available on request.

The Flinders Ranges walks are moderate to challenging with some rough tracks, where you’ll cover shorter distances. Full day walks average about 19 km and 5-7.5 hours walking each day. The walking is over mostly flat, well-walked paths and bush tracks with some rocky sections. There are two days with steep sections. This is a great opportunity for fit walkers to challenge themselves, however easier options are available on some days. This is a reasonably long and tough walk and we highly recommend that you incorporate a rest day.

The best time to go is April through to September as it is the best weather for hiking in the Flinders Ranges. The temperature is still very comfortable to walk in but warm clothes are necessary as the temperature drops at night. This holiday is not available over the hot summer months of December to February.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy as we charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your Auswalk holiday after we have confirmed it. We offer a 30% discount on travel insurance booked via our website. Get an instant quote and purchase online now.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions about the Flinders Ranges walks., tracks or the Flinders Ranges tour as a whole, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

REQUEST TO BOOK

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Please do not book flights until receiving a confirmation from Auswalk